Our First Royal Welcome: Exploring Iconic London!

London! The very name conjures images of iconic landmarks, bustling streets, and a rich history. We recently embarked on a family adventure to this magnificent city, and what an unforgettable start it was! Our recent trip across the pond began with an absolutely splendid stay at the Hyatt Regency Blackfriars. We couldn’t wait to share our initial adventures in this incredible city. From the moment we touched down at London Heathrow, every experience wove itself into a tapestry of cherished memories.

A Luxurious London Base: Hyatt Regency Blackfriars

Our home away from home for this London adventure was the stunning Hyatt Regency Blackfriars.

Stepping into the elegant lobby the first time, we knew we were in for a treat. This hotel perfectly blends historical charm with modern luxury, and its location in the heart of Blackfriars is simply unbeatable. The three rooms we had booked were each beautifully appointed, and offered a serene and comfortable retreat after our travels. The attentive staff made us feel incredibly welcome, and the amenities are truly top-shelf. If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in London with exceptional service and a fantastic location, the Hyatt Regency Blackfriars should be at the top of your list!

An Evening Stroll: Westminster, Bankside & Covent Garden Delights

After settling into our rooms, we were eager to stretch our legs and begin exploring. Our first evening took us on a delightful walk through Westminster, where we marveled at the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Eventually we crossed Westminster Bridge, enjoying the iconic views of the Thames, and ambled along Bankside. The historic Globe Theatre was a fascinating stop, bringing Shakespeare’s world to life. That night’s performance had people lined up around the corner, so instead we strolled along the Thames River.

As evening descended, we made our way to Covent Garden Market, where we enjoyed Shake Shack for dinner (we were easing our way into London)!! We couldn’t resist the allure of Venchi Gelato.

As we savored our delicious treats, the most enchanting opera music wafted through the air. A talented singer was performing, and her beautiful voice transported me back to my younger years when singing opera was a part of everyday life. I attempted to “softly” join her on Puccini’s “Oh Mio Babbino Caro”. My children’s response to that effort was not enthusuastic, but it was a magical moment for me! We also embraced the quintessential London experience, getting acquainted with the city’s famous Underground (the subway tube system) – an adventure in itself!

Day Two: Palaces, Parks, and Private Detectives

Day two dawned bright and early, and thanks to our Globalist status at the Hyatt, we enjoyed a fantastic complimentary breakfast – a perfect start to another day of exploration.

Our first destination was the majestic Buckingham Palace to witness the iconic Changing of the Guard.

Despite feeling like we were amongst thousands of our newest friends, it was an extraordinary and quintessentially British experience!

Next, we sought some tranquility in London’s beautiful green spaces. We meandered through St. James’s Park and then made our way to Regent’s Park. The floral displays were simply breathtaking. Queen Mary’s Garden was a particular highlight, with some of the most stunning flowers we’ve ever seen – a true horticultural masterpiece.

Our final stop for the day brought us to the legendary 221B Baker Street, home of the Sherlock Holmes Museum.

This was a must-see stop for my Chandler-girl. It was a delight to step into the shop of the famous detective. We chose not to tour the home, as we were told that it might not be worth the $170 US price tag (for seven). Drop a comment below if you agree.

Afterward we treated ourselves to a foretaste of Italy, with a late lunch at Emilia’s Crafted Pasta.

Returning to the Hyatt Regency Blackfriars after a long day of adventures, we were thrilled to enjoy their daily Club Lounge tapas from 5-7 pm. This is a highlight of having status with Hyatt. The Club Lounge tapas included complimentary drinks and delicious snacks. This was a perfect way to unwind and recount the day’s highlights.

After enjoying the Club Lounge, we couldn’t resist one more sweet treat and found ourselves at Amorino Gelato – because, when in London, one must have gelato….and LOTS of it!

Calling it a night, we reflected on our first two incredible days in London, filled with iconic sights, cultural immersion, and delightful discoveries. We can’t wait to see what the rest of our London adventure holds!

You too can experience an unforgettable family adventure!

This is our all-time favorite travel card (and really the most important one to begin traveling for free): the Sapphire Preferred, by CHASE! The current sign-up bonus will give you 75,000 points when you spend $5,000 in three months. I’d love to chat with you about how we travel to many destinations. The BEST part is that we only spend the money that we have to spend anyway, on everyday expenses, like utilities, clothes, groceries, fuel, etc… Click on the card image below to learn more:

Let’s Get to the Point!

 Also, here’s a link to the step-by-step process that we followed to see places that I once thought were completely untouchable for an average family of six (soon to be eight), like mine! As well, please follow along on my social media channels, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.